Michael Ball will make his debut as a novelist with the publication of his first offering, the 1920s-set The Empire, in October.
Published by Zaffre, the commercial fiction imprint of Bonnier Books UK, the musical theatre favourite’s story of a fictional theatre in the North of England is intended to be the first in a series that will follow the lives and loves of two families, the Lassiters and the Treadwells in the years following the Great War, through the roaring twenties and into the dark days of the Second World War.
Commenting on the latest development in his glittering career, Ball said: “In my opinion, nothing beats the magic of the theatre and, my goodness we’ve missed it! And so I wanted to try and capture that magic on the page, through the fictional lives of a cast of characters whose world revolves around this wonderful theatre, The Empire.
“Performing and bringing joy to people is what I love more than anything and to think that I might be able to bring that to a different audience is truly exhilarating. I am thrilled to be working with the team at Zaffre and we are having so much fun. These novels are going to be a love letter to all the theatres and performers I’ve worked in and with around the world.”
Announcing the publication of The Empire, Zaffre’s editorial director Sarah Bauer said: “Whether on the stage, radio or TV Michael always entertains, moves and delights his audience, and I know the same will be true of his books. To be swept away to another world by such a brilliant and instinctive storyteller as Michael is the escape I think we’re all craving.”
Managing director Kate Parkin added: “I can think of no one better placed to tell this story of magic and dreams than Michael. The millions of fans worldwide who treasure his trademark warmth and positivity will relish the chance to read a novel set in the world of musical theatre he owns. Michael Ball has been the soundtrack to my life, and it is a privilege and an honour to bring this story to the huge readership it deserves.”
The Empire by Michael Ball will be published in hardback, eBook, and on audio on 13 October in the UK, Ireland and Australia. The Empire is available to pre-order with signed copies available from WH Smith.
Angela Thomas
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